Divorce is often an expensive endeavor. If you are in the process of getting divorced, know that there are ways you can control divorce costs and make sure that you do not pay more than you have to. Here are five tips for controlling divorce costs and keeping your finances in check.

1. Be Realistic. It is imperative that you have realistic expectations for your divorce case. If you are realistic, you will not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars arguing about issues that you are not going to “win.” When you make the decision to file for divorce, take the time to consult an experienced divorce lawyer who can help you design a strategy for your particular case. By having a strategy in mind, you can be more realistic and save money as a result.
2. Compromise. Although it is easier said than done, compromising with your ex-spouse can save you money. If you learn how to compromise, you will be able to settle your case without the need for a trial. Keep in mind that while compromising can help you, it is okay if you disagree with some issues and keep your best interests in mind.
3. Avoid Fighting Every Issue in Court. You may believe it is easier to fight every issue in court. While you can do this, realize that lawyers charge more for court time than non-court time. Prior to turning to a traditional divorce in court, you should consider whether some divorce-related issues, like visitation, can be solved through mediation or collaborative divorce.
4. Find the Right Divorce Lawyer. When searching for a divorce lawyer, make sure you find one who is upfront about their pricing and will not send you a surprise bill. Note that the right lawyer is not necessarily the least expensive lawyer. The right lawyer is one who is honest when it comes to charging their clients and has the experience and track record necessary to help your divorce case.
5. Use Your Lawyer Time Wisely. Rather than contacting your lawyer every time you have a question, reach out to them once you have compiled a list of several questions. This will ensure you are using your lawyer time wisely and help you avoid overspending.

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Since texting became popular about a decade ago, drivers have taken their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel in order to text. Texting and driving, which is illegal in Illinois, is a common form of distracted driving that often leads to serious accidents and injuries. In order to prevent texting-while-driving accidents and keep yourself as well as others safe on the road, you should adhere to these four tips:

1. Turn Your Phone’s Volume to Silent. You should make it a habit to turn your the volume on your phone to silent every time you get behind the wheel. This way, you will not be tempted to text your friends and family members while you are driving. It is also a good idea to turn your phone’s vibration off as a vibrating phone can tempt you to text as well.
2. Make Sure Your Phone is Out of Sight. While turning off a phone’s volume and vibration may help some texters, it may not be enough for drivers who may be slightly addicted to texting. To resist the temptation to grab your phone and check whether you have received a text message, you should make sure your phone is out of your sight. You can put it in your back seat or even in your trunk so that you have no way to reach for it.
3. Pull Over and Stop If Necessary. If an emergency situation requires you to send a text message or answer your phone, pull off the road and stop your car. Once you have taken this safety precaution, you can text or speak on the phone. Tell yourself that if the issue is not important enough for you to pull over and stop your car, it is not important enough for you to risk getting into an accident because you were using your phone while driving.
4. Take Advantage of Apps. There are a variety of apps available to help prevent texting and driving. Live2Txt allows you to block incoming calls and texts while you are in the driver’s seat. SafeDrive is another effective app that can reward you with points if you do not text and drive. These points can be used towards discounts at select retailers.

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Red light runners cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 137,000 people were injured while 771 lost their lives in accidents that involved red light runners in 2015. 

More than 50 percent of those that were killed were pedestrians and people in other vehicles who were struck by red light runners. Unfortunately, drivers often run red lights without thinking it is a big deal. Three of the most common reasons for red light running include:

The penalties for a DUI often include hefty fines, jail time, a driver’s license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. If your DUI has left you with these life-altering penalties, you may consider appealing your DUI case. By filing an appeal, your DUI charges may be reduced, dismissed, and/or removed from your criminal record altogether.

In the event that you do decide to file your appeal, the appellate court may reverse your conviction, affirm it, or send it to a trial court for a hearing. Since the appeal process for a criminal case can be lengthy and complicated, you should consult an experienced Illinois DUI lawyer. You may be convicted of a lesser charge if strong evidence is given in court.

The final judgment in a divorce case is meant to be a permanent decision regarding all outstanding issues in the dissolution of a couple’s marriage. However, if you are unhappy with the ruling, and you believe it was made in error, you have the right to appeal the decision. 

How the Process of Appealing a Divorce Works in Illinois